Pittsburgh

Winner, New Initiative Pro Bono Award, ACBA

Pittsburgh’s HELP program was created by three individuals in Pittsburgh: Lisa Pampena of Buchanan, Ingersoll & Rooney; Judge David Hatfield of the Social Security Administration and Linda Sheets of Operation Safety Net, Pittsburgh Mercy Health System.

The service, beginning in November, 2009, will provide private attorneys who will provide pro bono legal services once at month at the Operation Safety Net (OSN) office. OSN is a health care, case management and housing program for the street homeless population.

This plaque is dedicated to remember the Pittsburgh homeless during the annual December 21st memorial serviceProminent partners that are sponsoring this new service include: Neighborhood Legal Services; Allegheny County Bar Association; Pittsburgh Paralegal Association; Allegheny County Bar Foundation; and eight other law firms and corporations in addition to the lead law firm of Buchanan, Ingersoll & Rooney. In addition, Judge David Hatfield will provide CLE credits and training on submitting claims to the social security administration.

Providing legal services at a location that the homeless are familiar with and trust will most likely result in homeless individuals accepting services. The relationship between these key partners will provide an optimal environment for the client-attorney relationship to thrive. It is the goal of this new service to give individuals a means to obtain the necessary benefits needed to get off the streets as well as to provide a way to repair problems of their past so that they can move on to a healthier lifestyle.


One Bridge to the Next, a documentary created by the Because Foundation, on caring for the street homeless population in Pittsburgh by Operation Safety Net, a program of the Pittsburgh Mercy Health System.

Downloadable Documents

Service Locations

  • Operation Safety Net
    249 South 9th Street
    Pittsburgh, PA 15203
    The 2nd Friday of each month, 9-11 a.m.

Local Contacts

Pittsburgh H.E.L.P. Program Coordinator:
Operation Safety Net Program Contact:
  • Will King
    Operation Safety Net Program Assistant
    Trail Lane Apartments
    (412) 246-2980
Additional Pittsburgh H.E.L.P. Program Contacts: